At just 13 years old, Fitahiana Angelica Rabenomanana is presenting the first creations of her brand, Angeli Rise, at the Cité des Cultures. The young designer combines fashion, art, and upcycling.
Fashion takes on a new form in the hands of Fitahiana Angelica Rabenomanana. For this debut presentation, two creations from Angeli Rise are on display: “The Voice of Tomorrow,” an asymmetrical dress with a long train made from newspaper and recycled paper with golden accents, and “La Métamorphose,” crafted from black plastic trash bags.
To create the latter piece, the young designer used about 60 bags and worked for a week, following several stages of sketching, testing, assembly, and finishing. “A bag is not just for carrying things; you can do many other things with it,” she emphasizes. Her research notebooks and sketches also accompany the presentation.
This upcycling approach holds an important place in the world of Angeli Rise. Fitahiana transforms everyday materials into fashion pieces, drawing inspiration from her surroundings. “I see things in daily life, and that can give me ideas,” she explains.
Nighttime is also a significant source of inspiration. Her first sketch, “Nuit éternelle” (Eternal Night), depicts a black dress with golden borders, featuring a bodice and chiffon.
A Grade 7 student at Entrepreneurship Christian Education (ECE), Fitahiana has been drawing since the age of 5 and began designing clothes at 11. She has been developing her own creations since September 2025 and is currently the only artist in her family. Her learning has also been enriched by the styling and fashion concepts taught by Tantely Rakotoarivelo.
However, her project goes beyond the realm of fashion. The young designer also wishes to develop a livestock farming business to save money and fund her own expenses. She sells eggs and is gradually setting aside money to build her own entrepreneurial project. “I manage my expenses all by myself,” she explains. In the longer term, she also envisions powdered egg production, as well as hospitality and catering.
Her entrepreneurial profile was identified following an orientation test conducted with the NGO Haary and validated by UNESCO. This process encouraged her to pursue her projects. In parallel, she continues to develop her artistic skills, particularly through drawing, which she is currently practicing at the Alliance Française.
The future is already being prepared. A fashion show is planned for December, with five creations initially envisioned, before the official launch of Angeli Rise in January 2027. Fitahiana hopes to be able to offer her creations for sale afterward and ultimately wishes to turn Angeli Rise into a true business.
Captured & Published at: 2026-10-02 05:56:37 (Madagascar Local Time EAT)
Original Source: https://www.lexpress.mg/2026/10/portrait-fitahiana-expose-sa-premiere.html